The NCAA's transfer portal opened on June 1 and will remain accessible until July 1, a window that has already reshaped college rosters across the country. Among the names that have surfaced is Kelvyn Paulino Jr., a freshman infielder who spent the 2025 campaign with the Florida State Seminoles.
Stats and Role in the Lineup
During his lone season in Tallahassee, Paulino appeared in 32 games, starting 26 of them. Though he primarily served as a designated hitter, he posted a .275 batting average, a .356 on‑base percentage and drove in 21 runs. His power output consisted of one home run, six doubles, two triples and a strikeout‑to‑walk ratio of 22 to 12.
Ranked No. 53 overall and No. 3 among third basemen by Perfect Game, Paulino arrived in Florida as one of the most highly touted members of the 2025 recruiting class. His early enrollment allowed him to participate in spring practices, but a mid‑season dip in playing time limited his impact, culminating in a postseason absence.
Future Eligibility and Draft Outlook
Because he will retain three years of athletic eligibility at his next institution, Paulino remains a draft‑eligible prospect for the 2027 MLB Draft. The transition to a new program could provide a fresh platform to showcase the blend of contact hitting and defensive versatility that initially attracted the attention of college scouts.
The move also marks a notable milestone: Paulino is the first position player to enter the transfer portal this offseason, underscoring a shifting landscape where even early‑enrollment freshmen are exploring options before their sophomore year.
Companion Transfer
Freshman pitcher Manny Lantigua has also filed paperwork to enter the portal, a development that adds depth to the Seminoles' roster turnover. Both players' decisions reflect a broader trend of student‑athletes leveraging the portal to align their academic and athletic goals.
As the transfer window draws to a close, programs will finalize their scholarship allocations and coaching staffs will begin integrating new talent. For Florida State, the departures of Paulino and Lantigua create openings that could be filled by high‑school prospects or additional portal candidates seeking a foothold in a competitive baseball environment.